Problem Solving and Innovation Management Associate Study Module [Level HE7] part-time

This course introduces the concept of innovation management and explores how both radical and incremental change can influence the competitiveness of products, services and organisations.

You will consider some of the key issues in this area including the need for innovation, organisational strategies, the culture and potential barriers to change within an organisation, product and process innovation, business processes in an innovation context and intellectual property rights, intellectual capital and patents. You will learn about the various tools, techniques and methodologies used for innovation such as TRIZ, Taguchi and KAIZEN. Various case studies will be used in the course to exemplify product and process innovations.

Learning will be through a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials, workshops, videos, presentations, independent study, directed reading and e-learning. Assessment is via one major assignment and a short presentation which is designed to test your understanding of the subject, demonstrate critical analysis and show the application of your individual research in exploring current thinking.

In addition to the knowledge and understanding directly relevant to innovation management, you will have the opportunity to enhance your personal skills in team working and team building, presentations, IT and communication skills.